Need Help w/"97 Winchester

I'm new to this site and I hope these aren't considered "dumb" questions. Here goes........I have a "97 Trench gun serial #680xxx. The gun does NOT have a visable flaming bomb stamp on the receiver. It does have a US on the receiver. It also has USMC stamping next to the serial number (along with an "E"). There is also a EGA stamp on the buttstock. My question to all of you experts is: Did all '97's have the flaming bomb stamp? (thought I read somewhere not all did ?????) If so, what in the heck do I have?

Note of caution- if you already know this, please pardon the lecture- 97s DO NOT HAVE A TRIGGER DISCONNECTOR. If you fire it, and while still holding the trigger down, you pump the action- IT WILL FIRE AGAIN. (Which will get you talked about by people nearby)

Excuse me- Where ARE my manners? Welcome to the forum- bunch of really nice folks, 2 weirdos, and 3 grumpy old farts. Please do stop over by intros, and say howdy to the nice folks. Traveling right now, but will dig thru some of my refrences when I get home again.

I believe that the stamped letters U.S.M.C. are not a factory stamp, due to the spacing is wrong and the drop "C". Was probably done after it left the factory by a previous owner at some time. Also the model depicts "1897" not M97 which was the military model. I could be wrong, hope that I am. You need someone to look at it that is very familiar with vintage Winchester firearms.

That is some great info (didn't know about the 1897-M97). Kind of strange that someone would have gone to great lengths to piece this gun together. Well, let me backtrack (I know folks deceive and fake almost anything to make a buck), I bought the shotgun from a dealer for about $350. So its not like they were trying to pull the wool over my eyes. I agree with the imperfect USMC stamping. Also what would the number "27" indicate? There's one more picture that I would like everyone to see. Not that it means anything, I thought it looked pretty neat. (on the buttstock).

Again I appreciate any information all of you have and will be giving.

Attached Files:

That is some great info (didn't know about the 1897-M97). Kind of strange that someone would have gone to great lengths to piece this gun together. Well, let me backtrack (I know folks deceive and fake almost anything to make a buck), I bought the shotgun from a dealer for about $350. So its not like they were trying to pull the wool over my eyes. I agree with the imperfect USMC stamping. Also what would the number "27" indicate? There's one more picture that I would like everyone to see. Not that it means anything, I thought it looked pretty neat. (on the buttstock).

Again I appreciate any information all of you have and will be giving.

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I am no expert, but that appears to be the USMC Seal on the buttstock.

Yes neat indeed-
I'm only speculating, the U.S. Marines insignia is homemade since it's only an outline. There's no detail in the artwork. Does it look to be done by a Wood Burner Iron? I ask because dads bought these wood burner kits for their sons in the fifties, sixties, etc., I had a couple when I was a kid.

I'm sure the "E" stands for what gauge the gun is chambered in.
It's a 12 gauge...right?
The "27" could be the number count off the production line, 27th made of that particular year/run. How long is the barrel?

Yes neat indeed-
I'm only speculating, the U.S. Marines insignia is homemade since it's only an outline. There's no detail in the artwork. Does it look to be done by a Wood Burner Iron? I ask because dads bought these wood burner kits for their sons in the fifties, sixties, etc., I had a couple when I was a kid.

I'm sure the "E" stands for what gauge the gun is chambered in.
It's a 12 gauge...right?
The "27" could be the number count off the production line, 27th made of that particular year/run. How long is the barrel?

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Sure hope this wasn't some kind of Cub Scout art project....lol
Barrel measures out at 20".and it is a 12-guage. EGA on butt looks like it was stamped into the wood. Its a touch bigger than a nickel

On a side note--Lets see how many of you military buffs can identify the famous tank that I'm seated on. Hint: One of the best tanks of all time.
Sorry I will not be able to award prizes at this time. Prehaps you can just wallow in self glory as being able to i.d. a famous tank from a very small picture. Good Luck.

Barrel measures out at 20".and it is a 12-guage. EGA on butt looks like it was stamped into the wood. Its a touch bigger than a nickel

Keep those questions and answers coming..........Thanks!

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20" is the correct length for a M97 or model 97 riot gun (police model).
And it has the bayonet lug. Only speculation, EGA, someone's initials?
this pic...where is this found on the gun? barrel or receiver ?

Now, that was funny...hold on I'm cleaning ice tea from my monitor.
It's ok, it needed a cleaning.

20" is the correct length for a M97 or model 97 riot gun (police model).
And it has the bayonet lug. Only speculation, EGA, someone's initials?
this pic...where is this found on the gun? barrel or receiver ?

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Thanks-The EGA is the Marine Corps Eagle/Globe and Anchor.

the other pic is located between the slide and the receiver (left side) It actually slides into the receiver when you chamber a round.

the other pic is located between the slide and the receiver (left side) It actually slides into the receiver when you chamber a round.

Thanks-----any guesses on the tank?

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fstop61,
The best I can distinguish is that your shotgun was made before 1920, because in the 20's the model 1897 changed to model 97 or M97 (military).
Winchester also changed the trademark stamp location onto the barrel near the receiver.
You may have an authentic WWI trench gun with some added artwork & markings from the Marine that used it, to boot. You really need to get the gun to a vintage arms dealer that knows vintage Winchesters. Either way you have a real piece of American history.

fstop61,
The best I can distinguish is that your shotgun was made before 1920, because in the 20's the model 1897 changed to model 97 or M97 (military).
Winchester also changed the trademark stamp location onto the barrel near the receiver.
You may have an authentic WWI trench gun with some added artwork & markings from the Marine that used it, to boot. You really need to get the gun to a vintage arms dealer that knows vintage Winchesters. Either way you have a real piece of American history.

No idea on the tank...

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give it a quick second look-here's another hint.......its of WWTwo vintage

On a side note--Lets see how many of you military buffs can identify the famous tank that I'm seated on. Hint: One of the best tanks of all time.
Sorry I will not be able to award prizes at this time. Prehaps you can just wallow in self glory as being able to i.d. a famous tank from a very small picture. Good Luck.

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Sorry, but the picture is just to small. The closest I can come is a M-24 Chaffee but I don't think that's it.

Well, I THINK your shotgun was made in 1919. However- I do not THINK that military arms were being Parkerized in 1919- they were blued. Which would indicate at LEAST a rework/ refinish. Which could have included polishing, which could have removed some markings.....